Search Results (13,625)

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) arises in multiple pathologies, and its severity correlates with disease progression. Common ED biomarkers could provide prognostic value for associated complications. This study aims to identify shared ED biomarkers and assess their prognostic significance. Endothelial cells in culture (human microvascular endothelial cells, HMEC-1) were exposed to sera from patients in five disease groups (n = 20 patients/group)—liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, placental disorders such as intrauterine growth restriction, coronary artery disease with acute myocardial infarction, and chronic kidney disease—or matched controls, in the absence/presence of anti-inflammatory (apixaban) and antioxidant (EUK134) compounds. We explored changes in: VCAM-1, ICAM-1, eNOS, VWF, extracellular matrix thrombogenicity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In serum samples, proteomics and metabolomics analyses (including lipids, amino acids, and polar metabolites) were performed through an extraction protocol to identify common ED biomarkers. Expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, VWF, platelet adhesion, and ROS increased in most groups versus controls (p < 0.05). Both drugs decreased all biomarker levels except eNOS (n = 6 for in vitro experiments). For serum ED biomarkers, 18 metabolites and 24 proteins showed AUC-ROC and hit rates >77.5%, and six metabolites were associated with event-free survival. These diseases share ED driven by systemic inflammatory, oxidative, and metabolic stress, are partially reversible in vitro, and are linked to biomarkers associated with clinical outcomes. Overall, ED emerges as a modifiable pathological axis with potential prognostic value. Full article

Erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), is widely used in cancer therapy; however, hepatotoxicity limits its clinical use. This study investigated the protective effects of Liv-52, a polyherbal hepatoprotective formulation, against erlotinib-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and compared its efficacy with melatonin. The animals (n = 24, Wistar albino rats) were randomly categorized into four groups: healthy (HG), erlotinib (ERG), Liv-52 + erlotinib (LEG), and melatonin + erlotinib (MEG). Liv-52 (50 mg/kg/day, orally) and melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, orally) were administered once daily for two weeks. Erlotinib (10 mg/kg, orally) was given every other day to ERG, LEG, and MEG groups for two weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels were analyzed. Additionally, double immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate apoptotic (poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase-1 [PARP-1], apoptosis-inducing factor [AIF]), inflammatory (cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2]), and anti-inflammatory (interleukin-10 [IL-10]) biomarkers in liver tissues. Histopathological examination was also conducted to assess structural alterations. Erlotinib significantly increased MDA, ALT, AST, and LDH while decreasing tGSH, SOD, and CAT (p < 0.001). Strong immunoreactivity for PARP-1, AIF, IL-10, and COX-2, as well as severe hydropic degeneration and necrosis, was observed in ERG (p < 0.05). Both Liv-52 and melatonin significantly ameliorated biochemical, histopathological, apoptotic, and inflammatory alterations (p < 0.05). Notably, Liv-52 demonstrated superior hepatoprotective efficacy compared to melatonin. These findings indicate that Liv-52 effectively attenuates erlotinib-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptotic pathways, thereby preserving liver function and structural integrity. Full article

Deammonification, which is based on partial nitritation and anammox (PN/A), is a well-established sidestream treatment for nitrogen removal. However, transferring deammonification to mainstream wastewater treatment remains challenging due to low temperatures, the need to retain slow-growing anammox bacteria (AnAOB), and their competition for nitrite with nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and heterotrophic denitrifiers. This work investigates cubic polyurethane foam carriers to promote growth and retention of AnAOB. A moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and an integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) reactor were compared over a three-year experimental period at lab-scale. The feasibility of the biofilm carriers for deammonification was first evaluated under sidestream conditions, followed by a stepwise transition to mainstream operational conditions. The impact of operational parameters, including dissolved oxygen concentration, pH value, and aeration strategy, was evaluated with respect to the activity of aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), NOB, and AnAOB, as well as nitrogen removal rates. Deammonification reached nitrogen removal rates of 0.04–0.12 kg N m⁻³ d⁻¹ (IFAS reactor) and 0.02–0.28 kg N m⁻³ d⁻¹ (MBBR) at subphases with reactor bulk concentrations above 60 mg NH₄-N L⁻¹. Highest nitrogen removal degrees of 77 ± 6% (IFAS) and 76 ± 5% (MBBR) were achieved at reactor bulk concentrations of 96 mg NH₄ L⁻¹ and 97 mg NH₄ L⁻¹, respectively. Lower concentrations triggered NOB activity in both reactors, leading to an increase in nitrate concentration up to 22 mg NO₃-N L⁻¹. AOB and AnAOB activities were on average 6-fold higher on the carriers compared to suspended biomass throughout all experimental phases, demonstrating the feasibility of using cubic polyurethane foam carriers for deammonification. This was also confirmed by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) measurements. Median nitrogen removal rates over all experimental phases of 0.07 kg N m⁻³ d⁻¹ for the IFAS reactor and 0.05 kg N m⁻³ d⁻¹ for the MBBR were achieved, which are comparable to conventional activated sludge systems performing nitrogen removal via nitrification–denitrification. While at lower nitrogen concentrations, the IFAS reactor yielded superior nitrogen removal rates, peak nitrogen removal rates of 0.28 kg N m⁻³ d⁻¹ were measured in the MBBR configuration. However, controlling NOB activity at lower temperatures and concentrations remains a challenge in MBBR and IFAS configurations. In our study, in the IFAS reactor NOB activities were visible on fewer days than in MBBR. At mainstream-like conditions, higher nitrogen removal rates of IFAS (0.09–0.12 kg N m⁻³ d⁻¹) were achieved compared to the MBBR (0.06–0.09 kg N m⁻³ d⁻¹). This demonstrates the advantage of the IFAS reactor in treating mainstream wastewater via deammonification. As an autotrophic nitrogen removal process, the implementation of deammonification in the mainstream of municipal wastewater treatment plants enables enhanced recovery of biogas from sewage organic matter. The latter would otherwise be consumed during the conventional nitrification-denitrification pathway. Consequently, the overall energy balance for wastewater treatment can be improved, contributing to a more environmentally sustainable process. Full article

The primary productivity of phytoplankton (PP_eu) is critical to the carbon cycle in aquatic ecosystems. However, in complex lakes covered by ice, the estimation of PP_eu using remote sensing techniques is constrained. To address this limitation, this study developed an estimation model for ice-covered PP_eu by incorporating optical parameters such as the ice surface refractive index and the extinction coefficient of the ice layer into the vertical generalized production model (VGPM). This approach overcomes the challenges associated with remote sensing-based estimation of PP_eu during ice-covered periods. The results indicate that the annual carbon sequestration of the WLSHL is 1.72 × 10⁴ t C, with an average annual PP_eu of 316.96 mg C·m⁻²·d⁻¹. In addition to the indicators that are directly involved in the estimation of PP_eu, the environmental factors that affect PP_eu include water temperature (WT), ice thickness (IT), snow, water depth (D), total dissolved solids (TDSs), salinity (S), ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), and oxidation–reduction potential (ORP). The PP_eu in the ice period is found to be only 17% lower than that in the ice-free period. However, the PP_eu during the ice period is considerably higher than that during the ice + snow period. The findings indicate that the impact of freezing on PP_eu during the winter is relatively limited, whereas the influence of snowfall is more pronounced. In order to mitigate the elevated PP_eu and the occurrence of algal blooms during the summer, the intensity of underwater radiation can be regulated on a periodic basis. To optimize the function of the carbon sink in winter lakes, the PP_eu can be enhanced through initiatives such as water replenishment prior to freezing and snow removal following freezing. Full article

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are widely used as protective and self-lubricating surfaces in metal–metal contacts. Their frictional behavior is governed by the formation and evolution of carbon-rich transfer layers (TLs), which can be tailored through functionalization with carbon nanomaterials. Recent studies have shown that graphene sheets (GSs) and nanodiamonds (NDs) act synergistically to achieve ultra-low friction in microrough (~0.2 μm) metal–DLC contacts under dry N₂ at a 1 N load. Here, we probe how this lubrication mechanism evolves with increasing load from 1 to 10 N—corresponding to local contact pressures up to ~11–16 GPa—respectively, in dry N₂ and humid air conditions. Ball-on-disk experiments are performed on an industrial hydrogenated DLC coating sliding against stainless-steel. In dry N₂, GS–ND functionalization yields a low and stable coefficient of friction across the entire load range, reaching a minimum of about 0.05. In humid air, higher friction levels are observed across all loads (CoF ~0.10–0.15), accompanied by oxidation-driven modifications of both wear debris and the counterface contact region, with oxygen content increasing by more than a factor of three compared to dry N₂. Detailed microscopy and spectroscopy analyses indicate that enhanced lubricity in dry N₂ arises from TLs incorporating GSs, NDs, and nanoscroll-like structures, whereas humid air promotes interfacial amorphization and oxidation, leading to load-insensitive friction and boundary lubrication effects through physisorbed water molecules. Full article

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating subtype of stroke, in which neuroinflammation and blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption are secondary pathophysiological events that drive progressive brain injury. Histone lysine demethylase JMJD3 (Jumonji C domain-containing protein 3) is a master epigenetic switch governing inflammatory signaling; however, its participation in ICH-induced vascular disruption and its possible mechanism remain elusive. Objective: To examine the expression patterns of JMJD3 in the context of ICH and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of its specific inhibitor, GSK-J4, in attenuating neuroinflammation and BBB disruption in a murine ICH model. Methods: Hemin treatment of a mouse C8-D1A astrocytic cell line was used to develop an in vitro ICH model. The transcript level of the Jmjd3 gene and its correlation with pro-inflammatory signaling were analyzed with or without GSK-J4 pretreatment. ICH in vivo was created experimentally in adult male C57BL/6 mice through stereotactic striatal injection of collagenase IV, and the mice were randomly assigned to sham, ICH + vehicle, and ICH + GSK-J4 (30 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.), every other day starting three days before ICH) groups. At three days post-ICH, ipsilateral brain tissues were collected to detect JMJD3 cellular localization, pro-inflammatory mediator levels, tight junction protein expression, BBB ultrastructure, and hematoma volume. White matter integrity and neuronal recovery were assessed on day 7, and sensorimotor function was assessed longitudinally on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14. Results: Jmjd3 gene transcription was upregulated in hemin-treated astrocytes and correlated positively with IL-6 pro-inflammatory signaling activation. In vivo, the co-localization of JMJD3 with the astrocytic identifier glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was markedly increased in the area adjacent to the hematoma at three days post-ICH. GSK-J4 administration significantly suppressed the pro-inflammatory signaling cascade by decreasing the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), enhanced brain vascular structural and functional integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins zonula occludens protein-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-5, improved BBB ultrastructural integrity, and decreased hematoma volume at three days post-ICH. Furthermore, GSK-J4 administration promoted white matter integrity (increased myelin basic protein [MBP] expression) and neuronal recovery (increased neuron-specific nuclear protein [NeuN] expression) at seven days post-ICH and significantly improved the performance of ICH mice in sensorimotor behavioral tests. Conclusions: Astrocytic JMJD3 is upregulated following ICH and promotes neuroinflammation, which in turn mediates BBB disruption. Pharmacological inhibition of JMJD3 by GSK-J4 attenuates neuroinflammation and subsequent BBB damage, accelerates hematoma resolution, and promotes histological and functional recovery after ICH, likely by downregulating MMP-9 expression. These findings identify astrocytic JMJD3 as a novel epigenetic therapeutic target for acute ICH. Full article

Growing concerns over food security and greenhouse gas emissions present a dual challenge, as mitigation strategies for one often intensify the other. Nitrification inhibitors (NIs) have emerged as a promising approach to simultaneously reduce nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions and enhance crop productivity. However, their effectiveness is highly dependent on environmental conditions. To systematically evaluate the environmental controls and the economic trade-offs associated with NI application, this study presents a systematic data synthesis of 196 peer-reviewed articles, assessing the performance of three widely used NIs: dicyandiamide (DCD), 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), and nitrapyrin. The analysis quantifies the influence of key environmental factors (e.g., temperature, soil pH, soil moisture, and soil organic carbon) on NI biodegradability, nitrogen dynamics, and N₂O emissions. The results indicate that soil organic carbon has a limited effect on NI performance, whereas temperature emerges as the dominant controlling factor. Among the NIs evaluated, DCD and DMPP demonstrate the highest mitigation efficiencies, achieving N₂O emission rates as low as 10⁻⁶ and 10⁻⁵ kg ha⁻¹ d⁻¹, respectively. An integrated economic analysis further evaluates the cost-effectiveness of NI application across major cropping systems, including corn, rice, and wheat. The findings show that DMPP and nitrapyrin applications yield the highest net economic returns in corn and rice systems (up to 860 USD and 880 USD, respectively), while wheat systems without NI application remain less profitable (approximately 330 USD). Ultimately, this study demonstrates that the practical viability of NIs depends heavily on balancing input costs with crop-specific yield gains, rather than environmental benefits alone. While NIs offer substantial greenhouse gas mitigation potential, their widespread adoption requires careful, site-specific economic evaluation to ensure that yield improvements sufficiently offset the added application costs to achieve truly sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

This study focuses on Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), a core component of human milk oligosaccharides. Although LNnT has been demonstrated to promote early intestinal development and maintain gut homeostasis, its protective mechanism against D-galactose-induced intestinal injury and associated cognitive impairment remains unclear. This investigation systematically examined the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of LNnT against D-gal-induced colonic damage and cognitive impairment in mice. The results demonstrated that LNnT not only significantly improved systemic physiological phenotypes and upregulated the expression of colonic tight junction proteins to repair the intestinal barrier, but also effectively enhanced learning and memory abilities in mice. Concurrently, LNnT reduced serum proinflammatory factor levels, elevated the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10, and alleviated oxidative stress. Furthermore, LNnT remodeled the gut microbiome structure by increasing microbial diversity, enhancing beneficial bacteria abundance, and promoting short-chain fatty acid production. Untargeted metabolomics analysis further revealed that LNnT corrected metabolic disturbances by regulating key sphingolipid molecules (ceramide, sphingosine, S1P) and the expression of related metabolic enzymes (ACER2, SphK2). In summary, this study suggests that LNnT mitigates intestinal injury and improves cognitive function, potentially through modulation of the gut microbiota–sphingolipid metabolism axis, although further causal validation is warranted. These findings provide a mechanistic foundation for future studies exploring its potential as a functional dietary ingredient. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic Mild Stress (CMS) provokes neuroendocrine dysregulation and oxidative injury that compromise neuronal integrity and plasticity. Disruption of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been increasingly linked to stress-induced neurobiological dysfunction. Vitamin D3, a neuroactive hormone with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, may exert neuroprotection through modulation of this pathway and attenuation of oxidative damage. The study aims to investigate whether vitamin D3 mitigates CMS-induced alterations in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, oxidative stress markers, and oxidative DNA damage in male Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 8/group): control, CMS only, CMS + vitamin D3 (1000 IU/kg), and CMS + vitamin D3 (10,000 IU/kg). Vitamin D3 was administered intramuscularly three times weekly for 28 days. Hippocampal mRNA expression of Wnt pathway components and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was quantified by RT-qPCR using the 2^−ΔΔCt method. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, while DNA damage was assessed via 8-OHdG ELISA. Results: CMS significantly downregulated Wnt1, β-catenin, and Axin2 mRNA expression (p < 0.05) while markedly upregulating GSK-3β (p < 0.001). Expression of BDNF was also reduced (p < 0.05). Biochemically, CMS increased MDA and 8-OHdG levels (both p < 0.001) and decreased glutathione (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities (p < 0.05). Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly reversed these transcriptional and biochemical alterations, restoring β-catenin signaling, improving antioxidant defenses, and reducing oxidative and genotoxic damage. Conclusions: Vitamin D3 confers significant neuroprotection under chronic stress by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and attenuating oxidative and DNA damage, thereby enhancing neuronal resilience to prolonged stress exposure. Full article

Nano Al-Si alloy fuels with Si contents of 4% and 16% (designated as nAl-4Si, nAl-12Si and nAl-16Si) were prepared by using the electrical explosion method and tested by relevant tests. Subsequently, nAl, nAl-4Si, nAl-12Si, and nAl-16Si were ultrasonically mixed with CuO at stoichiometric ratios to obtain the corresponding nano-thermite systems. The results indicated that the prepared nano Al-Si alloy fuel consisted of spherical particles with a core–shell structure, wherein the core was composed of aluminum and the shell was composed of silicon. Furthermore, the particle size of the alloy fuel wasn’t significantly affected by the silicon content. However, as the silicon content exceeded the eutectic point, accumulation of silicon and oxygen elements occurs on the surface of nAl-16Si. The actual combustion heat of the nAl-Si alloy fuel rose with the silicon content. The tested combustion heat of nAl-16Si reached 27.24 kJ/g, exceeding that of nAl by 8.43%. The combustion heat of the nAl-Si alloy fuels increased monotonically with the silicon content. TG-DSC tests showed that the ignition temperatures of nAl-4Si and nAl-12Si were lower than those of nAl-16Si and nAl. The onset and peak temperatures of thermal oxidation for the nAl-Si alloy experienced minimal variation with silicon content. However, the oxidation rate progressively decreased with higher silicon content and remained lower than that of pure nAl. Laser ignition tests showed that the peak pressure and pressure rise rate of nAl-4Si/CuO were increased by 8.11 kPa and 24% respectively, compared to nAl/CuO. Therefore, increasing the silicon content could enhance the combustion efficiency of nAl-Si alloy fuels. However, when the silicon content exceeded the eutectic point of Al-Si at 12.6%, the primary silicon formed on the particle surface led to the increase in the solid combustion by-products, thereby weakening the combustion performance. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with goji berries (Lycium barbarum) on the nutritional profile, oxidative stability, and shelf life of rabbit meat. Thirty-two rabbits were assigned to two dietary treatments: a control diet (CN) and the same diet supplemented with 3% dried goji berries (GJ). Proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle were determined at dissection, whereas physical, microbiological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated during refrigerated storage (4 °C; 1, 4, and 10 days) and frozen storage (−20 °C; 60 and 120 days). Dietary supplementation significantly modified the lipid profile of the meat, reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing long-chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. During refrigerated storage, lipid peroxidation increased in both groups; however, meat from the GJ group showed significantly lower TBARS values after 10 days (0.22 vs. 0.33 mg MDA/kg; p < 0.001), indicating improved oxidative stability. Lower accumulation of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), reduced formation of biogenic amines, and slower growth of spoilage-related microbial populations, particularly Pseudomonas spp., were also observed in GJ samples. Overall, the GJ diet improved fatty acid composition and delayed degradative processes during storage, suggesting its potential as a functional feed ingredient to enhance rabbit meat quality and shelf life. Full article

Background: Dietary fibre has been increasingly recognised for its potential role in modulating inflammation, gut-derived uraemic toxins, nutritional status, and kidney-related outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly through mechanisms involving the gut–liver–kidney axis. While nutritional management in CKD has traditionally focused on protein intake, despite growing evidence supporting soluble and insoluble types, the role of dietary fibre remains insufficiently reflected in clinical guidelines. Objective: This systematic review evaluated the effects of dietary fibre intake on inflammatory markers, gut-derived uraemic toxins, nutritional status, kidney function, and mechanistic pathways relevant to gut–liver–kidney axis among CKD patients. Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Medline Complete were searched for observational and interventional human studies. Review articles and animal studies were excluded. A total of 45 met eligibility criteria. Risk-of-bias (RoB) was assessed using domain-based tools, and findings were synthesised narratively across predefined outcome domains. Results: Higher fibre intake was generally associated with reductions in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and selective improvements in inflammatory tone including Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), while effects on C-reactive protein (CRP) varied. Several fermentable fibres were frequently linked with reduced gut-derived uraemic toxins, including indoxyl sulphate (IS), p-cresyl sulphate (pCS), and less consistently trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). Nutritional markers such as albumin, BMI and overall diet quality were typically maintained or improved. Kidney function was stable across short-term interventions, with suggestions of slower decline in longer studies incorporating fibre-rich dietary patterns. Mechanistic studies frequently reported increased saccharolytic activity and favourable changes in fermentation profiles. Despite growing evidence, soluble fibre remains an underrepresented component in CKD dietary guidelines, warranting further high-quality interventional studies to confirm its therapeutic potential. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of pathologies (obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension) that affects over one quarter of old adults. MetS is a condition that markedly increases the susceptibility of various organs to dysfunctionality and is associated with the development of oxidative stress. The existing guidelines point out that exercise is highly advantageous for patients with MetS. However, there is a need for specific guidance and clinical evidence. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a moderate aerobic exercise program on older women without and with MetS. Methods: A total of 120 women aged 60–70 years old were recruited and divided into two groups: healthy old women (HOW, N = 60) and old women with MetS (OW-MetS, N = 60). Anthropometric values, biochemical parameters and markers of oxidative damage were evaluated before and after moderate aerobic exercise. Exercise was performed five days per week for three months (64 sessions). Each exercise session consisted of 40 min and included the following: (a) five minutes of warm-up exercise; (b) ten minutes of flexibility exercise with resistance using own weight and coordination; (c) twenty minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (heart rate max between 60% and 70%); and (d) five minutes to cool down/stretching with respiratory techniques. Results: A significant decrease in anthropometric variables was generated by the exercise program [waist circumference 4.35 cm (p < 0.05) in OW-MetS, body fat −1.55, −1.39% (p < 0.05) and muscle mass 0.8, 1.1% (p < 0.05) in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively]. The exercise program resulted in beneficial changes in all biochemical parameters in both groups. Importantly, HOMA values showed a significant decline of −0.85 and −6.17 in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively. Furthermore, oxidative stress was present in the OW-MetS group, which was reduced by the exercise program, resulting in a decrease in protein damage [formazan 45% and 42% in HOW and OW-MetS respectively] and an increase in antioxidant defenses (thiol groups 36%, 99% and GPx 55%, 20% in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively). Conclusions: The data of this study show that moderate aerobic exercise may be potentially useful in treating and preventing MetS in older patients. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global cause of morbidity and mortality. Current tools for monitoring treatment response rely on sputum-based microscopy and culture, which are often insensitive, time-consuming, and impractical in extrapulmonary or pediatric TB and in individuals unable to produce sputum. Metabolomics has emerged as a promising approach for identifying host-derived biomarkers that reflect treatment-associated immunometabolic changes; however, the available evidence remains heterogeneous and has not been comprehensively synthesized. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of human studies evaluating metabolomic biomarkers in relation to TB treatment response or outcomes. PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE were searched for human studies evaluating targeted or untargeted metabolomics (NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, CE-MS) in relation to treatment response or outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using QUIPS and PROBAST. Findings were synthesized using a structured framework organized across treatment stages and outcomes. Of 218 records identified, 139 titles and abstracts were screened and 42 full texts assessed; 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Recurrent treatment-associated signals involved amino acid metabolism, particularly the tryptophan–kynurenine pathway, as well as vitamin and cofactor metabolites (pyridoxate, nicotinamide, trigonelline). Plasma studies frequently reported lipid remodeling and bile acid perturbations, whereas urine studies highlighted polyamine metabolism (e.g., N¹,N¹²-diacetylspermine) and fatty acid β-oxidation markers. Common limitations included inadequate adjustment for confounders and, in prediction models, small sample sizes and limited external validation. Metabolomics reveals reproducible but heterogeneous immunometabolic changes during TB therapy. Key pathways include tryptophan–kynurenine metabolism, vitamin and cofactor metabolism, lipid remodeling, and urine polyamine pathways. Standardization and prospective multicenter validation are needed for clinical translation. Full article

Developing an ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection platform remains challenging due to the limited enrichment efficiency of ECL emitters and co-reactants at the electrode interface, as well as the insufficient catalytic enhancement of co-reactant conversion. Moreover, simultaneous in situ analyte enrichment and efficient anti-interference capability are often difficult to achieve in a single sensing interface. Herein, a new ECL platform was developed based on nanocatalyst-supported nanochannel-confined surfactant micelle (SM) system, which integrates an enhanced luminol-dissolved oxygen (DO) ECL response for the ultrasensitive detection of antibiotic rifampicin (RIF). A nanocomposite comprising nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots and a molybdenum disulfide nanosheet (NGQDs@MoS₂) was modified on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. This nanocomposite layer catalyzed the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), boosting the co-reactant efficiency of DO. Vertically ordered mesoporous silica film filled with surfactant micelles (SM@VMSF) was subsequently grown in situ on the NGQDs@MoS₂ surface. The hydrophobic micelles enable the simultaneous enrichment of luminol, DO, and RIF. Integrating the triple-enrichment effect of surfactant micelles with the high electrocatalytic effect of NGQDs@MoS₂ nanocomposite results in significant ECL enhancement of the luminol–DO. SM@VMSF also provides an excellent molecular sieving effect, endowing the sensor with high anti-interference capability and stability. RIF quenches the ECL signal by consuming superoxide anion radicals, enabling sensitive detection. Detection of RIF was established with a high sensitivity (2927 a.u. per nM) wide linear range (10 pM to 10 μM) and a low limit of detection (LOD, 2.5 pM). The fabricated sensor exhibits good selectivity and high fabrication reproducibility (relative standard deviation, RSD, of 1.9%). Additionally, the determination of RIF in eye drops and seawater samples was realized. This work offers new insights for the design of high-performance ECL sensing interfaces and sensitive detection of RIF. Full article